Providence Multi-Hub Bus SystemSeptember 30, 2020

Multi-Hub System GoalsAgenda 2

1. Overview of July 2020 Multi-Hub System2. Stakeholder Outreach3. Transfer Analysis4. Benefits5. Schedule

Multi-Hub System Overview

Innovation District Bus Hub• 8 Bus Berths on National Grid Site

located on Dyer Street• Renovate existing historical structure to

be used for RIPTA amenities and National Grid innovation hub/office space on other floors

• Will be built in phases.

Overview – Providence Multi-Hub Bus System Components 3

Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub• 6 Bus Berths with stops on Dorrance and

Exchange Streets• Washington Street with cars only

eastbound/buses only westbound

• Traffic improvements in the surrounding area to accommodate the change in traffic patterns.

• Open space opportunities available for the City of Providence

Multi-Hub System OverviewOverview – Providence Multi-Hub Bus System Components – Continued 4

Providence Train Station Bus Hub• 8 Bus Berths with stops on Exchange and Railroad Streets• New and improved bus and rail passenger amenities in the renovated

train station

Multi-Hub System OverviewStakeholder Outreach 5

• Multi-hub plan presented to stakeholders, received feedback and made adjustments

• Presented revised plan to the public and began stakeholder engagement:• Providence Chamber of Commerce, RI Foundation, Providence Foundation, GrowSmart RI, 195

Commission, GSA and Judge McConnell, Brown, JWU, Riders Alliance, Jewelry District

Neighborhood Association, Press, Amtrak, Providence City Council and others

• Continue dialogue with National Grid

• Took public comment at RIPTA Board meeting

• Took comment and spoke with stakeholders

• RIDOT spoke at a Providence City Council Committee hearing

• RIDOT & RIPTA presenting at another RIPTA Board Meeting and attending the Providence City Council Committee hearing• Public comment expected at both meetings

Multi-Hub System GoalsAssessment of Alternative Sites for the Innovation District Hub 6

Garrahy Courthouse Parking Garage Facility:• Location of 8 bus berths and amenities are limited by available space• First floor of parking garage was created with structural wall that would require renovation

to existing structure• Parking garage structure itself has a base slab to accommodate passenger cars and not

the load from buses• Would need additional property such as101 Friendship Street parking lot, on street

parking for additional berths, and displacement of first floor parking spots in the garage• Traffic safety concerns from having bus and car use the garage• Traffic safety concerns on Friendship & Clifford Streets

Mixed Use Proposal at Dorrance Street and Clifford Street: • Proposed mixed use building has an estimated cost of over $60 million dollars and the

proposal did not include a viable funding source• Proposal on property not owned by the proposing parties• Property owner was not supportive of the proposal and unwilling to participate in its

construction• No private sector partner interest was identified in the proposal• RI Commerce assessment of the market for uses identified in this proposal are not

viable in the current economic climate

Multi-Hub System GoalsTransfer Analysis 7

Note: Transfer rates presented here are based on RIPTA’s transfer tickets. When all transfers are included, such as those made by pass users, the transfer rates are approximately 29%

Innovation District Bus Hub Operation 8

• Bring employees closer to jobs while eliminating crowding experienced by having one hub

• Lessons learned from COVID-19 regarding having high concentrations of people at one location mitigated by having a 3-hub

system.

• The system will link major existing and future employment and residential centers such as:

• Wexford, Garrahy Courthouse, Johnson and Wales University, Brown School of Professional Studies, City Hall, Convention

Center, Federal courthouses, Financial district, Capitol Hill employees, Commuters to Boston, Providence Place Mall, and area

restaurants.

• Lays the groundwork for transit-oriented development opportunities within the Innovation District.

• Creates the opportunity for the City of Providence to reimagine the central park system and recreate Kennedy

Plaza, Burnside Park, and Biltmore Park into a centerpiece for pedestrian activity in the City of Providence.

• Opens up pedestrian linkages to the river walks, East Side, and Newport/Bristol ferry.

• The hubs will be designed to provide amenities including restrooms, indoor waiting areas with real time boards,

benches, ticket vending machines, bike racks, and bike/scooter share areas at Innovation District and Providence

Train Station hubs.

• Direct bus to rail connections linking downtown employment centers.

• It is not feasible to provide the necessary charging infrastructure needed for a modern electric bus fleet at one

central location like Kennedy Plaza. The Multi-Hub system layout provides the ability to accommodate adequate

bus charging stations distributed among the three hubs.

Providence Multi-Hub System Benefits Summary

Multi-Hub System Schedule

Schedule Milestone

July – October 2020 Complete Stakeholder Outreach

July – December 2020 Finalize Site Details with National Grid

October 2020 Issue SOW for Design Services

October 2020 Begin Title VI Analysis for Bus Operations

November 2020 Design Services Begins

Winter 2020 / Spring 2021 Public Meetings for Title VI and RIGL Requirements

Spring 2021 Design Services CompleteConstruction Contract Advertised

Summer 2021 Construction Start Innovation District Site

Fall 2021 Construction Start Kennedy Plaza

Spring 2022 Construction Start PVD Station

Summer 2023 Construction Complete All 3 Sites

Providence Multi-Hub Bus System Schedule 9

Multi-Hub System GoalsImmediate Next Steps 10

• Finalized operations planning on the minor bus shifts/rerouting

• Initiate Title VI Analysis

• Conduct public hearings on bus route alterations in accordance with state

law

• Continue coordination with City and its consultant on Kennedy Plaza

planning, as part of the Unified Vision for Downtown Public Spaces

• Issue scope of work to begin engineering design

Multi-Hub System GoalsAPPENDIX 11

Innovation District Bus Hub

Innovation District Bus Hub Ultimate Build OutInnovation District Bus Hub 13

Innovation District Bus Hub Ultimate Build OutInnovation District Bus Hub 14

Innovation District Bus Hub Temporary Location 15Interim Concept A Innovation District Bus Hub

Innovation District Bus Hub Temporary Location 16Interim Concept B Innovation District Bus Hub

Innovation District Bus Hub Temporary Location 17Interim Concept C Innovation District Bus Hub

Innovation District Bus Hub Temporary Location 18Interim Concept D Innovation District Bus Hub

- DRAFT -

Innovation District Bus Hub Ultimate Build Out 19Innovation District Bus Hub – proximity to multi-transit options

Innovation Hub site

Pedestrian Bridge

Newport Ferry Site

East Side

Innovation District Bus Hub Operation

Innovation District Bus Hub

# Passenger Bus Berths 8

# Layover Berths 6

# Routes Served 22 to 24 + 9 Express

Percent Trips/Day 47%

• Portions of site available that will create a space for both National Grid needs and the bus hub.

• The larger building is a historical building currently owned by National Grid and will be redeveloped for RIPTA amenities, possible retail, and for National Grid Innovation Hub/offices.

20Innovation District Bus Hub

Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub

Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub 22

Note: Traffic signal improvements proposed along Dorrance Street and Exchange Street

Dorrance Street: Proposed Bus Berths (4 total)

Exchange Street: Proposed Bus Berths (2 total)

Washington Street:- Bus Only Westbound- General Traffic Eastbound

Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub Traffic Improvements 23Traffic Enhancements: Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub

Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub Traffic Improvements 24Traffic Enhancements: Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub

Kennedy Plaza Vision

City of Providence issued Unified Vision for Downtown Public Spaces RFP

due May 26, 2020 that includes Kennedy Plaza

25Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub

Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub Operation 26

New Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub

# Passenger Bus Berths 6

# Layover Berths 0

# Routes Served 17

Percent Trips/Day 28%

Kennedy Plaza Bus Hub

DRAFT

Providence Train Station Bus Hub

Providence Train Station Bus Hub

DRAFT

28Providence Train Station Bus Hub

Providence Station State of Good Repair (SOGR) & Expansion

• New and expanded restrooms and café area• Expanded passenger waiting/seating area for train and bus passengers with

real time information and complete interior renovation• Potential for future expansion up a level• Better connection from bus to train, along with improved pedestrian connections• Design Scope advertised July 2020

29Providence Train Station Bus Hub

Providence Train Station Bus Hub Operation

Providence Station Bus Hub

# Passenger Bus Berths 8

# Layover Berths 3

# Routes Served 8-10

Percent Trips/Day 25%

30Providence Train Station Bus Hub

DRAFT

Multi-Hub System Operation

Multi-Hub System OperationProvidence Multi-Hub System Operation Summary 32

• Reviewed passenger transfers to identify added transfers or new connections needed as a result of the multi-hub system

• Transfer impacts would be mitigated by making minor shifts/re-routing to several buses

• DTC provides faster and more frequent bus service, making transfers convenient

• Bus every 4 minutes on DTC corridor

Passenger Transfers

Multi-Hub System Operation

Existing Proposed Multi-Hub Stations

CurrentKennedy Plaza

Providence Station

Kennedy Plaza Station

Innovation District Station

# Passenger Bus Berths 12 8 6 8

# Layover Berths 2 3 0 6

# Routes Served 35 + 9 Express 8 to 10 17 22 to 24 + 9 Express

Percent Trips/Day 100% 25% 28% 47%

Providence Multi-Hub System Operation Summary 33